All-at-Once, Teeth-Surrounding Oral Cleaning Device and Methods

ABSTRACT

Hands-free devices adapted for rapid brushing, cleaning and treating users&#39; teeth are provided. In some embodiments, such a device comprises brushes for cleaning each of a user&#39;s teeth simultaneously. In some embodiments, such a device is generally U-shaped, accepting, cleaning and/or treating all of a user&#39;s teeth simultaneously. In some embodiments, a device is adapted to fit an individual user, based on 3-dimensional imaging. Example customized fluid jets within such devices are provided, introducing dentifrices and other treatments into tooth-conforming channels. In some embodiments, specialized handles are set forth, configured for hands-free use. Example methods and modes for such devices&#39; use are also set forth. In some embodiments, compartments and cartridges with a proprietary form factor for delivering dentifrice and other treatments and for disposing of waste without mess are provided. In some embodiments, observational data are gathered, analyzed and serve as the basis for a treatment action plan.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/603,433, filed May 23, 2017, entitled“Simultaneous Flossing and Brushing Device,” which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/860,692,filed Sep. 21, 2015, entitled “Bite-Activated Dental Hygiene Device,”now U.S. Pat. No. 9,655,704, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/570,241, filed Aug. 8, 2012, entitled“Bite-Actuated Tooth Cleaning Techniques,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,138,304.The entire contents of each of the above applications are herebyincorporated by reference into the present application as if fully setforth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the fields of teeth-cleaning and otheroral cavity cleaning devices and dentifrices.

BACKGROUND

Although the modern toothbrush did not spread throughout Europe untilthe 1600's, teeth- and gum-cleaning implements have been in use for manycenturies, and date before recorded history. Typically, in the modernera, a toothbrush includes a handle connected to a set of round-ended,flexible bristles, and is used with toothpaste or other dentifrice andwater to clean teeth and gums. In the United States, toothpastes usuallyinclude a soap for cleaning and a fluoride compound, for its anti-cavityand pro-mineralization properties to protect teeth from decay.Toothpaste is usually not ingested, and may be poisonous to ingest, butsome “natural ingredients,” such as enzymatic and other toothpastealternatives, have been developed that may be safer for animals toingest. Although the safety and efficacy of many specific dentifricesmay be debated, the overall health and hygiene benefits of brushingteeth with a toothbrush and a dentifrice is widely accepted and is partof the ordinary routine of a vast majority of people in the mostdeveloped countries.

It should be noted that some of the disclosures set forth as background,such as, but not limited to, the above language under the heading“Background,” do not relate exclusively to prior art and the state ofthe art in the field(s) of the invention, and should not be construed asan admission with respect thereto.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

New oral care devices and methods are provided. In some embodiments,portable, hands-free devices adapted for brushing, cleaning and/ortreating users' teeth, gums and oral cavity are provided. In someembodiments, such a device comprises brushes for cleaning each of auser's teeth simultaneously. In some embodiments, such a device isgenerally U-shaped, with channels lined with such brushes, andconfigured for accepting, cleaning and/or treating all of a user's teethsimultaneously.

In some embodiments, such a device is adapted to fit an individual user,based on molds, impressions or other 3-dimensional imaging orinformation techniques, allowing for more effective, thorough brushingexperiences.

In some embodiments, example customized washing ports, comprising a widevariety of example dental and interdental materials, such as oraltreatment and cleansing products, are set forth. In some suchembodiments, such customized washing ports are jets configured toexpelling a cleaning or treatment fluid. In some such embodiments, thejets expel such a fluid in lines for flossing a user's teeth. In someembodiments, the jets expel such a fluid toward a gum line of a user, toremove material and treat the user's gums and teeth at the gum line.

In some embodiments, specialized handles for oral care devices are setforth, configured for maintaining access to controls while leaving sucha device in place in a user's mouth during cleaning and treatment,hands-free. In some such embodiments, such controls issue commands to acontrol system, which may be comprised in, or partially comprised in,the oral care device. Many example methods, modes and durations for manysuch devices' use are also set forth, including, but not limited to: arapid brushing mode, a travel brushing mode, a deep-cleaning mode, awhitening mode and various other teeth-, gum- and oral cavity-treatmentand -cleaning modes. In some embodiments, the control system controlsthe vibrations, strokes, intensity of brushing and, strength, amount anddirection of fluid from jets, an amount of dentifrice or treatmentmaterial introduced to user's teeth or mouth, and parts thereof, and anyother aspect of the device's actuation, which may be in accordance witha mode(s) or duration(s) of actuation and use.

In some embodiments, customized compartments and cartridges with aproprietary form factor are provided. In some embodiments, suchcartridges are installed and uninstalled in a loading compartment ofsuch devices, where they are connected via ports for deliveringdentifrice and other treatments. In some embodiments, such a deviceand/or cartridge is disposable and/or recyclable, and configured forreceiving and disposing of waste without mess. In some embodiments,observational data are gathered, analyzed and serve as the basis for acleaning and/or treatment action plan.

Such an action plan may include treatment parameters governing cleaningand treatment mode(s) and duration(s), and observations, recommendationsand feedback provided to be provided to users, in some embodiments. Forexample, in some embodiments, the action plan may include a series ofcleansing and/or treatment cartridges, to be used according toinstructions, and in modes and durations designated. In someembodiments, such an action plan, and any and all treatments orcleansing, may be executed with the assistance of a control system,included, or partially included, in the oral care device, as discussedabove.

In some aspects of the invention, an implement with bite-actuated toothcleaning aspects known and branded as a CLEANCHEW™ is provided, whichmay comprise tooth and gum brushing protrusion and/or bite-guidedchannel opening pairings or sets, which channel pairings or sets mayinclude features, projections and/or spacers and one-way valves topermit the biting-actuated release of dentifrice from an inner chamber.In further aspects of the invention, internal springs and the tension ofsurrounding material aid in creating bite actuation. In still otheraspects of the invention, movable bite-actuated and/or motor-actuatedmembers conform an elastomeric or flexible outer layer with additionalsub-features that aid in teeth and oral cavity cleaning.

In other embodiments, an interstitial fluid, gel or other medium, whichmay or may not be present in a separate interstitial layer defined by alining, and which may or may not include a dentifrice and may or may notchange its viscosity, hardness and other properties upon contact withair, aids in enabling re-sealing an inner chamber following penetrationof the CLEANCHEW. Outside of that interstitial layer, an additionalinterstitial layer containing a gas, fluid or other agent that hardensor congeals with or causes to harden or congeal, the interstitial fluid,gel or other medium within the interstitial layer, may be included and,preferably, is comprised of chambers, locks or angled channels thatmaintain coverage, pressure and/or mixing between the fluids, gels orother media of the two interstitial layers at the point of perforationof a mutual wall, despite a perforation of other walls of the layers.This aspect may also be applied to a variety of other related arts,including but not limited to pneumatic and other tires, to aid inremediating fluid leaks from piercing or other deformation of apneumatic tire structure. For example, in the instance of a tire, achamber above each possible point of perforation may have a gradualdrain in its wall at a point just above the possible point ofperforation, allowing the slow dousing of the perforation with thecombined-hardening component in the outer interstitial layer. The fluid,gel or other medium in the outer interstitial layer may also have asignal dye to indicate that the tire has been compromised, whilemaintaining pressure due to the resulting seal from hardening orcongealing by mixing of the two layers of fluid, gel or other medium.

Unless otherwise indicated, the following terms have the specificmeaning described herein:

A “CLEANCHEW,” in addition to its ordinary meaning and special meaningin the art to which it pertains, means each of the following aspects,both alone and in each possible combination, as if separately set forth:an object, preferably comprising an elastomeric or other pliant,flexible or rebounding solid material, that may be chewed and/or bittenby an animal and, due to such chewing and/or biting either or both: (1)releases a fluid, gel, liquid and/or dentifrice from a contained cavityor other feature of the CLEANCHEW in the direction of outer or scrubbingfeatures of the CLEANCHEW or of the teeth or other oral cavity featuresof the animal; and/or (2) leads to and/or actuates scrubbing or cleaningby protrusions or other features on the outer surface of the object. Inaddition or alternatively, a CLEANCHEW may comprise a refillable innerchamber(s) variably containing dentifrice and/or any animal-bitableobject that may aid in the animal's oral hygiene.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial illustration of some components of a CLEANCHEW andincorporated dentifrice, in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an example cleaning-featuredopening, in an outer fluid containing layer of a CLEANCHEW, such as theCLEANCHEW shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the same example cleaning-featured variableopening as that depicted in FIG. 2, and serves to illustrate furtherembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of an example cleaning-featuredvariable opening and bite-induced shifting outward projectioncombination unit—specifically, a pairing—in its resting conformationalstructure, prior to biting or tooth penetration of a CLEANCHEWcomprising the pairing.

FIG. 5 is another view, from the same perspective, of the same examplepairing as that illustrated in FIG. 4, but in another conformationresulting from biting and tooth penetration of the pairing.

FIG. 6 is a partial top-view of example bitable surface features of aCLEANCHEW, in accordance with additional aspects of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a side-view of part of an example CLEANCHEW that includesbiting- and/or motor-actuable movable structural members.

FIG. 8 is a top view of an example oral care device for cleaning theteeth and oral cavity of a mammalian animal.

FIG. 9 is a process flow diagram depicting example steps that may takenby a control system carrying out aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of some elements of an exemplarycontrol system that may be used in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a new form of an example oral hygienedevice, which can be used to quickly and simultaneously brush and flosseach of a user's teeth and, in some embodiments, other parts of a user'smouth.

FIG. 12 is a process flow diagram depicting example steps that may takenby a control system carrying out aspects of the present invention, suchas the example control systems discussed above, and in reference to FIG.10, controlling an oral care device, such as those discussed above inreference to FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another example oral care device with agenerally U-shaped mouthpiece, along with an example cartridge andcartridge loading compartment shaped according to a complementaryproprietary form factor, and other unique embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 is a process flow diagram depicting example steps that may takenby a control system carrying out aspects of the present invention, suchas the example control systems discussed above, and in reference to FIG.10, controlling an oral care device, such as those discussed above inreference to FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a front view of another example oral care device with a morelinear format mouthpiece, along with another example cartridge andcartridge-loading compartment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a side-view illustration of a CLEANCHEW bite-actuated cleaningsystem 100 for mammalian pets. The entire CLEANCHEW is designed to besafely bitten by a typical mammalian pet, and preferably is small enoughthat a pet's jaws may encompass at least its narrowest widths and, as aresult, dispense dentifrice and actuate a scrubbing action to aid incleaning teeth and the oral cavity of the pet generally. A flexibly,compressible and expandable outer containing layer 101 contains adentifrice or other cleaning liquid, fluid or gel (“fluid”) 103 in acavity 104, which is variably dispensable to assist in cleaning the oralcavity of a pet, preferably, a mammalian pet. As will be explained ingreater detail below, fluid 103 may be dispensed to the oral cavity of amammalian pet by biting action, via bite-dispensing, cleaning-featuredopenings, such as those examples shown as 105, that are designed toaccept variably-sized biting teeth. In addition, projections and/ortextures, such as projections 107, provide natural abrasion, massage,polishing and/or scrubbing, also driven by biting action. A refillingport 109 permits the filling or refilling of cavity 104 from acomplementarily-shaped intermediate fluid storage container 111, whichmay contain additional or differing fluid 103 and/or 106 such as, as itslabel is pictured to indicate, toothpaste. Preferably, port 109 isround, cylindrical or conical or otherwise has radial symmetry andcomprises a one-way fluid valve, permitting the influx of fluid as shownby fluid motion arrow 113, but which prevents outward flow of fluid, outof cavity 104 through port 109, as shown by stricken fluid arrow 115.

FIG. 1 illustrates a variety of possible exemplary cleaning-featuredopenings. For example, opening 117 is an exemplary one-way valveopening, with elastomeric variably cavity enclosing features 119. In aresting state, features 119 converge with one another and prevent theoutward flow of fluid from cavity 104. However, if a tooth, such as amammalian tooth, enters opening 117 deeply enough, or with sufficientlateral pressure against them or surrounding, attached material,features 119 may be pulled or pushed away from one another, permittingthe outward flow of fluid. Preferably, the overall design of cleaningfeatured openings, such as 117, alone or in combination with surroundingmaterial shapes and properties, tends to channel teeth and other bitingprojections that are pressed against CLEANCHEW 100 substantially intothe center of the openings. Another preferred form of cleaning-featuredopening is shown as opening 121, and will be discussed in greater detailwith reference to FIG. 2.

Another preferred form of cleaning-featured opening is shown as 123,which has a tricuspid one-way valve opening, with three semi-flexibleflaps 124 to prevent escape of liquid, fluid or gel 103, unless anduntil a member, such as a tooth, pushes them away from one another(open) with the aid of optional tooth-action-facing,complementarily-shaped push members 125. 123 is shown in enhanced detailby a second rendering in a zoomed in window in FIG. 1.

Another preferred form of cleaning-featured opening is shown as 127,which comprises a sealing membrane 128 that may be pierced by animalbiting and which may be scored to then create flaps that still resistthe flow of liquid, fluid or gel 103 out of the CLEANCHEW to somedegree, but that then permit 103 to flow onto the teeth and gums of thebiting animal. An additional stop-cock or gravity ball valve (such asthose used for animal water dispensers, and which close when pointeddownward, at the gravitational bottom of the CLEANCHEW, may aid inpreventing gravitational draining of the CLEANCHEW.

Another preferred form of cleaning-featured opening is shown as 129,with a zoom window to enhance detail, which comprises multiple hinged orflexible attached leaves 131, each of which, by itself, if driven byoutward-flowing liquid, fluid or gel 103, substantially close opening129, but any or all of which may again be forced open by a biting actionor tooth.

Although a limited group of cleaning-featured openings and projectionsare shown at the top of the CLEANCHEW shown in FIG. 1, it should beunderstood that such cleaning-featured openings, projections and othercleaning textures and aspects disclosed in this application may coversubstantially all bite or oral interfacing surfaces of a CLEANCHEW, orselect regions better positioned to affect cleaning of an oral cavity orother cavity of an animal.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an exemplary cleaning-featuredopening 200, in an outer fluid containing layer of a CLEANCHEW, such asthe CLEANCHEW shown in FIG. 1. A mammalian tooth 201 has substantiallyentered opening 200 due to a biting action of the mammal into and/oragainst the outer layer of the CLEANCHEW of which it is a part. Theouter layer of the CLEANCHEW in which both the cleaning featured opening200 and the tooth 201 are embedded, is partially shown as 203. Liningthe outer surface of cleaning-featured opening 200 are scrubbing surfacefeatures 205, which preferably comprise and are at least partiallysurface-covered by scrubbing and fluid-absorbing projections, such asthe projections shown as 207. As the mammal bites, and tooth 201 entersopening 200, projections 207 drag and/or rub against tooth 201, aided bysurface tension of the outer surfaces of opening 200, and thereby scrubthe surface of tooth 201. Features 205 and/or projections 207 preferablydo not cover the entire outer surface of opening 200, and therefore abutsurface gaps between them such as that shown as 209. As a result, when atooth has penetrated opening 200, features 205 and projections 207further serve as towers which vault the outer surface of opening 200between them, and temporarily (as long as the tooth remains embedded inopening 200) permit the outward flow of fluid through the resultingvolumetric gap, as shown, for example, by fluid motion arrow 211.

An inside port 213 of opening 200 is, when in the CLEANCHEW is in aresting state, substantially closed, and prevents the outward flow ofmaterial via elastomeric properties of the material comprised by theopening. However, when a tooth, such as tooth 201, enters opening 200,and therefore stretches its outer surface, port 213 may be pulled opendue to the semi-flexible, semi-rigid nature of the material comprised inthe outer layer and/or its surface, temporarily permitting the outwardflow of fluid contained in cavity 215.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the same cleaning-featured variable opening 200pictured in FIG. 2, and serves to illustrate further exemplary aspectsof the present invention. In the instance of FIG. 3, a tooth is notshown penetrating opening 200 and, as a result, the inside port, nowshown as 301, is substantially closed in its undisturbed, restingconformation, preventing the outward flow (which would correspond withupward, out-of-the-page or positive z-axis flow in the figure) of fluidfrom the fluid containing side of layer 203, in which cleaning-featuredopening 200 is embedded. In this resting conformational state, scrubbingfeatures, such as 205, and projections, such as 207, may be seen in anunobstructed top view, and are contracted into a position substantiallytighter (with less space between them) than the volume that would beoccupied by a tooth if sufficiently embedded into the opening 200 andbetween them, which would therefore create tension that could be usedfor scrubbing against any such tooth. Tooth-guiding channels, exemplaryedges of which are shown as 308, are also illustrated more clearly fromthe top-view, and extend beyond the depression in containing layer 203comprised by opening 200, illustrating how, regardless of where a toothhappens to land on the surface of a CLEANCHEW, it may be guided into acleaning-featured opening, such as that featured as 200. Of course, awide variety of alternate channeling feature shapes may be used, asidefrom those partially illustrated as sloping downward (into the page ofthe figure) and towards the center of port 301 in a parabolic orotherwise curved shape, as shown in FIG. 3. Such alternate channelingfeature shapes may also comprise abrading or scrubbing sub-features,which, as with other scrubbing features discussed with respect to otherfigures, may be angled such that their edges better catch the edges ofdebris and tartar from one, two, more or opposing directions of toothmovement. As such, configurations of such sub-features may be used thatare effective regardless of whether a tooth is moving inward or outward(e.g., due to biting, or opening) and/or twisting and scrubbing orbrushing can be more efficient.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of an exemplary cleaning-featuredvariable opening and bite-induced-shifting scrubbing outward projectioncombination unit—specifically, a pairing—in its resting conformationalstructure, prior to biting or tooth penetration of a CLEANCHEWcomprising the pairing. In the pairing 400, a cleaning-featured variableopening 401 (for example, such openings of any style discussed elsewherein this application or as illustrated in FIG. 4), is united with ascrubbing outward projection 403 (again, for example, such projectionsof any style discussed elsewhere in this application or as illustratedin FIG. 4) and is so united by connecting intermediate material,comprising a banded spring element(s) 405, which has/have both (1)resting and (2) biting-actuated conformational structures, which lead todifferent resting and biting-actuated conformational structures insurrounding attached flexible layer(s) or surface materials 407, whichis, preferably, an elastomeric material or fabric and in which springelement(s) 405 are embedded and/or connected. Spring element(s) 405 areshown in its/their resting conformational state, meaning that theCLEANCHEW comprising it/them is not currently being bitten, or, at leastnot in or about the location of the pairing 400. In this state, theresting surface tension of surrounding material 407 may lead springelement(s) 405 to be compressed, as by non-deformational bends and/orcompressions 409. In addition, tension-reducing or -breaking bend 411may variably separate or reduce connections or spring aspects inneighboring material, such as neighboring spring element(s) 413 fromspring element(s) 405. In this state, that resting surface tensionand/or the resting conformational state of spring element(s) 405 and 413and their variable connections, may lead projection 403 to be in acurved, leftward facing structural state. However, as will be discussedin greater detail with respect to FIG. 5, when bitten, chewed orotherwise physically insulted, alternate conformational states due tochanges in surface tension may lead projection 403 to move into adifferent structural position, and resultantly brush teeth, gums and/orother oral cavity aspects that the projection may be in contact with. Assuggested above, a pairing of one exemplary cleaning-featured variableopening and one bite-induced shifting scrubbing outward projection isexemplary only, and triplets, quartets and much more complex interactingphysical relationships between variable openings and bite-inducedshifting scrubbing outward projections and/or comprised or relatedspring elements may be, alternatively, used in accordance with aspectsof the present invention, including, but not limited to, relationshipswhere bite-driving of more distant openings, or other differently spacedopenings, lead to different conformational results for projections thatare more likely to effectively brush a surface area of a pet's mouth atthat distance. For example, spring bands aligning (actuatedconformation) with more distant openings only may lead to brushing indirections conforming with the roof of a mouth, rather than, forexample, a curved massaging actuation motion which may be created closerto tooth gums.

FIG. 5 is another view, from the same perspective except that someaspects have been enlarged, of the same exemplary pairing 400, as thatillustrated in FIG. 4, but in another structural conformation resultingfrom biting and tooth penetration of the variable opening 401 of thepairing. Thus, in FIG. 5, a tooth 502 is illustrated as inserted intovariable opening 401, creating both downward and outward pressure onopening 401 and creating surface tension in surface materials 407. Morespecifically, that pressure tends to align banded spring elements 405,to remove conformational folds. More straightened and aligned elements405 and 413 then approach and achieve a conformational state in whichfolds disappear and the elements apply a rightward, curving motion inthe scrubbing outward projection 403. That motion is illustrated bymotion arrow 504, and may aid in scrubbing gums and neighboring teeth.

Spring element(s) 405 preferably have multiple stable restingconformations that may be switched by biting or other interaction withthe surface of the CLEANCHEW. In addition, although this application hasstressed biting-actuation for causing a shift from and to resting stableor other conformations of spring elements 405, and driving scrubbingprojections and features, it should be noted that such spring elementsmay instead, or in addition, drive dilation and contraction of CLEANCHEWsurface variable openings such that, when a projection or other surfacefeature is sufficiently bent over or pulled sideways or compressed byrubbing against a surface to be cleaned, then and only then are springelements aligned that cause outward, opening tension on the rims andsurfaces of fluid, gel and/or liquid-containing orifices. Alsopreferably, intermediate fluid, gel and/or liquid-containingantechamber(s), preferably abutting, variably opening into and smallerthan a main fluid, gel and/or liquid-containing cavity, and alsoabutting and sharing the variable opening(s) to the surface of theCLEANCHEW, receive such fluid, gel and/or liquid from the main cavityonly by a variable valve which substantially closes during a sufficientscrubbing action that drives surface features sufficiently to cause thespring elements to drive dilation of CLEANCHEW surface variableopenings. It should also be noted that, although separate springelements and outer CLEANCHEW layer materials are discussed, a singlematerial, with spring properties and resting conformational state(s) mayinstead be used as both the material layer and spring element(s), suchthat surface deformation or teeth acceptance may drive variable openingof both a main fluid, gel and/or liquid-containing chamber, and/orintermediate antechambers, into CLEANCHEW surface variable openings.

FIG. 6 is a partial top-view of exemplary bitable surface features of aCLEANCHEW, in accordance with additional aspects of the presentinvention. Reticulated or interspersed grooves, such as those depictedas 600, comprise converging channel sides, such as those shown asconverging channel side pairings 601 and 603. Such converging channelsides are within an outer CLEANCHEW material layer the outer surface ofwhich is labeled 604, and may, when a tooth penetrates between whereconverging channel sides meet (such as that shown as convergences 605and 607) separate sufficiently to permit a fluid from a contained cavityto flow outward (toward the viewer of the figure), and toward thepenetrating tooth and gums in which the tooth may be embedded. Themeeting points of the converging channel sides are more distant from theviewer of the picture than the main surface 609 of the outer layer ofthe CLEANCHEW—meaning that as converging side pairs such as 601 and 603converge, to extend the example, at convergences 605 and 607,respectively, their surfaces slope inward, into the page, away from theviewer of the figure as they slope toward their convergences. Lining theouter surface of converging side pairings, such as 601 and 603, arescrubbing surface features, such as those shown as 611, which preferablycomprise and are at least partially surface-covered by scrubbing andfluid absorbing projections, such as those discussed elsewhere in thisapplication, and all of such features facilitate both scrubbing and thecreation of temporary fluid-escape gaps during animal biting of theCLEANCHEW.

FIG. 7 is a side-view of aspects of a CLEANCHEW 700 that comprisesbiting- and/or motor-actuable movable structural members. Major biting-and/or motor-actuable movable structural members, such as those shown asexamples 701, and which are generally cylindrical but withsemi-spherical tops such as that shown as 702, extend from and aremounted to movable ball-and-socket, turret or swivel joints 703, aboutwhich they may rotate, as shown by exemplary rotational motion arrows705 in the instance of a swivel joint (swiveling around a circularrotation axel, such as axel 706), or those major members may rotate inany spherical direction, in the instance of a ball-and-socket or turretjoint. Major members 701 are buried beneath outer CLEANCHEW containinglayer 707 (layer 707 being shown in vertical cross-section to avoidblocking the view of other aspects of the invention), which ispreferably made of an elastomeric or flexible yet deformation-resistantmaterial. Preferably, layer 707 is stretched over major members such as701 with sufficient tension that the members are in contact with andvariably shape (with their motion within joints 703) the surface layer707. Such contact also aids in permitting biting on the outer surface ofthe layer 709 to drive motion of the major members such as 701. But,optionally or in addition, joints 703 may also be driven byservo/motors. Either way, the resulting moving surface shapes of layer707 result in scrubbing and massaging of gums and teeth of an animalbiting into layer 707 with its teeth. Minor biting- and/ormotor-actuable movable structural members, such as the examples shown as711, are preferably smaller than major members 701, and may be embeddedin layer 707, and may move both in reaction to the same animal biting(which, as discussed above, may drive the motion of major members 701),and in reaction to motion of the major members, which may push minormembers 711 upward and/or downward and/or rotate them about leverrotational axes. Minor member 711, therefore, are or createmotion-variable scrubbing/massaging sub-features in layer 707, in whichthey are embedded. For example, if major members 701 move as shown inthe second joint from the left of the illustration by motion arrows 705,the top of the left-most minor member may move into the page and to theleft, in reaction, as shown by motion arrow 713.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a high-speed, bite-actuable device 800, forcleaning the teeth and oral cavity of a mammalian animal. Morespecifically, device 800 is custom-fitted to accommodate the teeth andoral cavity of a human user (not pictured), and may be actuated byplacement or a single bite by the user causing the users teeth to enterscrubbing channels, such as the exemplary scrubbing channels 801, ofdevice 800.

Generally speaking, device 800 comprises a cleaning head end 803 and ahandle grip end 804. By holding grip end 804, a user of device 800 mayinsert cleaning head end 803 into his or her mouth, with the upper side(pictured) positioned with each channel 801 below a tooth of his or herupper jaw. In some embodiments, which will be discussed further below,and in reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, a user may power on and cause movingcleaning parts of head end 803 to begin moving and working simply bybiting down, and inserting his or her teeth into channels 801. Morespecifically, sensors—such as but not limited to pressure sensors—maysense that insertion of teeth and/or other mouth contact and, whendevice 800 is sensed to be correctly placed and the user's teeth arecompletely inserted (with sufficient amount and/or points of pressuredetected in head end 803), a control system 805 within device 800electrically connected or otherwise in communication with those sensorsmay power on and/or begin actuating cleaning features within head end803, scrubbing the user's teeth. In some embodiments, such sensor-drivenactuation may take place when a mode has been activated or has not beendeactivated, for example, by a bite-response mode activation button 806,electrically connected with or otherwise able to communicate withcontrol system 805. In such embodiments, a user and/or the controlsystem may disable bite-response mode and, in such cases, the actuationof scrubbing features in head end 803 may be initiated simply bypowering on device 800—for example, by depressing power button 850.Control system 805 may be a control system such as that discussed inreference to FIG. 10, below.

Prior to the placement and actuation of device 800 discussed herein, auser preferably wets and fills device 800 with water and adentifrice—such as toothpaste. To do so, a user may directly wet andfill channels 801. However, in some embodiments, internal channelsand/or pumps, within device 800 allow the filling of toothpaste and/orwater cavity(ies), also within device 800. In one preferred embodiment,a filling port 807 in the housing 808 of device 800 may permit thefilling of a storage cavity and fluid-directing channels within device800. For simplicity of presentation, that cavity and channels are notpictured, but it should be understood that they may allow the storageand flow of fluid (such as water and dentifrice) from port 807 to theteeth-accepting scrubbing channels 801, as well as to exit ports, suchas exemplary ports 809, of a mouth epithelium-scrubbing brush unit 811.Brush unit 811 may also comprise scrubbing features such as exemplaryprojections or bristles 813. Brush unit 811 may be driven to rapidlymove, preferably in a laterally shifting and/or circular motion, whilegenerally maintaining its attitude, as pictured, and, thereby, device800 scrubs and cleans the user's roof of the mouth and/or tongue (with asimilar surface facing into the page, in the perspective of thedrawing). Preferably, brush unit 811 is comprised of a compliantmaterial, contoured to fit the roof of a user's mouth, tongue and otheraspects of the epithelium of the user's mouth. Brush unit 811 may bedriven by drive shaft 815, connected to a linear actuator or other motor(not pictured) within device 800 which is powered and driven by controlsystem 805. In one embodiment, a user may cause brush unit 811 to be soactuated by control system 805, and/or may cause fluid to flow from anddouse the outer surface of brush unit 811, by a user command—such as bya user depressing tongue brush activation button 817, which iselectrically connected with or otherwise able to communicate signalswith control unit 805.

Motor-driven projections or bristles, such as examples 819, are alsopreferably present within channels 801, and are attached to cam shafts,such as exemplary cam shafts 821, each of which may be driven by a localmotor, such as exemplary rotary motors 822, or another, more universalcam. In one embodiment, such a universal cam strip, connected to severalbristle heads, such as the examples shown as 823, (or directly to thebristles), may be driven by a single, larger motor within the handlegrip end 804 (not pictured).

The speed, (and, in some embodiments, the direction(s), intensity, orother aspects) of the scrubbing bristle motions discussed above may becontrolled by a user-actuable speed control—such as exemplary slider825. Slider 825 is also preferably electrically connected or otherwisein communication with control system 805, which is so connected with andable to power the motor(s) driving bristles 813 and 819, as discussedabove. In one embodiment, slider 825 increases the speed (and, in someembodiments, the direction(s), intensity, or other aspects) of thescrubbing bristles and other actuated cleaning features when actuated inthe direction toward cleaning head 803, as indicated by a speed,intensity or other aspect linear degree indicator 827.

In addition to the scrubbing motions of bristles 813 and 819, the heads,cams and other moving parts discussed above, device 800 may power, driveand cause the actuation of other scrubbing moving parts, cleaningvarious aspects of a user's teeth and oral cavity when used as set forthin this application. Accordingly, in some embodiments, elastomericflossing lines, such as examples 829, are included, the motion of whichmay be driven in part by the same cam shafts set forth above (such asexamples 821). More specifically, flossing lines 829 may be part of orotherwise integral with a channel-lining elastomeric layer 830, whichlayer hugs, conforms with and flosses the sides of teeth as it moveswith the rotation (or other, e.g., shifting, movement) of motors andcams driven by control system 805. As one example, pictured, when thecams 821 shift layer 830 downward and to the left, driving bristles inthe same direction, layer 830 is also pulled in that same direction.Because flowing lines 829 encounter the upper-right edges between two ofa user teeth, however, line examples 829 are pulled and moved againstthose tooth surfaces, cleaning them—which resulting conformation andposition of lines 829 are shown (without the teeth causing thosepositions, for visibility). As cams 821 rotate 180 degrees away from theposition pictured, however, the other side between a user's teeth willinstead be cleaned by a corresponding, opposing motion of layer 830 andlines 829. In some embodiments, a dedicated cam shaft 831, drive shaftor drive line and/or motor 833 controlled by system 805 may be used todrive each of lines 829—in addition to the motor(s) or cam(s) drivingbristles 819.

Some embodiments may comprise rotary brushes, driven by rotary motors,such as exemplary rotary brushes 835, shown lining the bottom 836 ofchannel 837, which faces the biting-surface of a tooth as it enterschannel 837, cleaning at is pressed against them with a biting motion.In some embodiments of device 800, however, channels 837 are alsovalves, lining a channel or other cavity comprising dentifrice (asdiscussed elsewhere in this application). In such embodiments, as atooth enters a valve/channel (such as exemplary quad-cuspidvalve/channel 839) it unseals the valve, and allows the penetratingtooth to be cleaned as the tooth is bathed in the fluid held in thevalve. As with other valves set forth in this application, and aspictured in exemplary valve channel 839, such valves may be one-way(check valves), preventing the escape of fluid from device 800 even whenopened and filled with a penetrating tooth. Also as set forth in otherparts of this application, spacers for allowing some amount of fluidescape, bristles or other cleaning features may be included lining partsof tooth-interfacing surfaces of the valve, such as valve example 839.

As explained further below, control system 805 may be connected to apower source, such as a rechargeable battery and/or capacitor (notpictured) which preferably is present within device 800 and grip end804. However, in some embodiments, device 800 may be externally powered(e.g., by ambient electromagnetic power).

Although not visible from the perspective of the figure, it should beunderstood that another side of cleaning head end 803, withtooth-scrubbing channels similar to those pictured as 801, but designedto conform to the shape of a user's teeth inset in his or her lowerjaw—rather than her upper jaw, as pictured—may, and preferably is, alsoincluded in device 800. Thus, by biting into cleaning end 803, with atooth entering each channel and/or valve of cleaning end 803, a user'sfull set of teeth and be completely, quickly cleaned.

In some embodiments, port 807, and the cavities and channels connectedwith it, and channels 801 and brush unit 811 may be flushed at once byinserting a water faucet end into port 807, forming a seal between them.In such embodiments, port 807 preferably has a ramped, elastomericprofile, enabling a seal between it and a wide variety of faucet sizesand types.

FIG. 9 is a process flow diagram depicting exemplary steps that maytaken by a control system carrying out aspects of the present invention,such as the control systems discussed above, and in reference to FIG.10, below, controlling bite-actuable cleaning device 800. Beginning withstep 901, the control system first determines whether the device hasbeen powered on, for example, by a user depressing power button 850. (Itshould be noted that, in some embodiments, device 800 may power itselfon by passive or separately-powered sensors detecting a sufficientamount or pattern of pressure associated with use of the device. Suchamounts and patterns of pressure or other stimulus will be discussed ingreater detail below. If device 800 has been powered on, in someembodiments, the control system proceeds to step 903, where itdetermines whether a “Bite/Response Mode” has been activated—forexample, by detecting whether button 806 has been depressed. If so, instep 905, the control system may next determine whether sensors detectpressure or other activity—for example, from sensors detecting userbiting pressure within end 803 of device 800. If that pressure oractivity is detected, the control system then proceeds to step 907,wherein it determines whether the pressure matches a recording orsetting matching proper use of device 800, for example by teeth properlyseating in channel/valves 801. For example, the control system maydetermine if a sufficient number of channels/valves have beenpenetrated, and whether they are fully penetrated (e.g., by detectors ofwhether the valves have been forced open by penetrating teeth.) In someembodiments, the control system compares data from the pressure sensorsto pre-stored data or descriptive parameters for sensor data associatedwith such proper seating and, if sufficiently matching, powers anddrives the cleaning features and fluid transmission aspects of end 803discussed above, in step 909. If the Bite/Response Mode has not beenactivated, the control system may also begin powering and driving thosefeatures and aspects directly.

Proceeding to step 911, the control system next may take readings from acleaning speed, intensity or other device characteristic control—suchas, but not limited to the exemplary slider 825, discussed above—if sucha control has been activated. If so, the control system may proceed tostep 913, in which it alters the driving power or other characteristicsto match the selected settings. If such a control has not beenactivated, the control system may proceed to step 915, in which itmaintains its existing power or other characteristics necessary to drivethe cleaning features of device 800 in accordance with default orpreviously-existing settings.

Next, the control system may proceed to step 917, in which it determineswhether a tongue and mouth brush, and/or other mouth epithelium device(such as device 811), have been activated—for example, by detectingwhether button 817 has been depressed. If so, the control system maybegin to power and drive such a device in step 919. The control systemthen returns to the starting position.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of some elements of an exemplarycontrol system 1000 that may be used in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention, such as, but not limited to, operating an oral caredevice. The generic and other components and aspects described hereinare not exhaustive of the many different systems and variations,including a number of possible hardware aspects and machine-readablemedia that might be used, in accordance with the present invention.Rather, the system 1000 is described to make clear how aspects may beimplemented. Among other components, the system 1000 includes aninput/output device 1001, a memory device 1003, storage media and/orhard disk recorder and/or cloud storage port or connection device 1005,and a processor or processors 1007. The processor(s) 1007 is (are)capable of receiving, interpreting, processing and manipulating signalsand executing instructions for further processing and for output,pre-output or storage in and outside of the system. The processor(s)1007 may be general or multipurpose, single- or multi-threaded, and mayhave a single core or several processor cores, includingmicroprocessors. Among other things, the processor(s) 1007 is/arecapable of processing signals and instructions for the input/outputdevice 1001, analog receiver/storage/converter device 1019, and/oranalog in/out device 1021, to cause a display, light-affecting apparatusand/or other user interface with active physical controls to be providedfor use by a user on hardware (including, but not limited to, monitorsor touch-actuable displays, and haptic feedback actuators) or otherinput hardware and presentation and input software (as in a GUI), and/orother physical controls.

For example, and with particular emphasis on the aspects discussedabove, in connection with FIGS. 8 and 9, and FIGS. 13 and 15, the systemmay carry out any aspects of the present invention as necessary withassociated hardware and using specialized software, including, but notlimited to, GUI and other user interface aspects that may present a userwith options for cleaning modes, bristle, brush and other scrubbingactuation, and speed, duration, mode and intensity controls. As anotherexample, the system may detect pressures and characteristics from teethsensors, controlling valves to release fluids and scrubbing features toclean teeth when sensor measurements and timing match a properlypositioned and biting set of mammalian teeth engaged with the cleaningend of a device comprising said system (such as device 800). As yetanother example, the system may carry out any of the steps set forth inthe methods set forth in the present application.

The processor 1007 is capable of processing instructions stored inmemory devices 1005 and/or 1003 (or ROM or RAM), and may communicate viasystem buses 1075. Input/output device 1001 is capable of input/outputoperations for the system, and may include any number of input and/oroutput hardware, such as a computer mouse, keyboard, networked orconnected second computer, camera(s) or scanner(s), sensor(s),sensor/motor(s), range-finders, GPS systems, other Command and Controlcenters, electromagnetic actuator(s), mixing board, reel-to-reel taperecorder, external hard disk recorder, additional hardware controls andactuators, directional shading matrices, directionally-actuable lightsources with variable collimation and shiftable bases, additional movieand/or sound editing system or gear, speakers, external filter, amp,preamp, equalizer, computer display screen or touch screen. It is to beunderstood that the input and output of the system may be in any useableform, including, but not limited to, signals, data, andcommands/instructions. Such a display device or unit and otherinput/output devices could implement a user interface created bymachine-readable means, such as software, permitting the user to carryout the user settings, commands and input discussed in this application.

1001, 1003, 1005, 1007, 1019, 1021 and 1023 are connected and able tocommunicate communications, transmissions and instructions via systembusses 1075. Storage media and/or hard disk recorder and/or cloudstorage port or connection device 1005 is capable of providing massstorage for the system, and may be a computer-readable medium, may be aconnected mass storage device (e.g., flash drive or other driveconnected to a U.S.B. port or Wi-Fi) may use back-end (with or withoutmiddle-ware) or cloud storage over a network (e.g., the internet) aseither a memory backup for an internal mass storage device or as aprimary memory storage means, or may simply be an internal mass storagedevice, such as a computer hard drive or optical drive.

Generally speaking, the system may be implemented as a client/serverarrangement, where features of the invention are performed on a remoteserver, networked to the client and made a client and server by softwareon both the client computer and server computer. Input and outputdevices may deliver their input and receive output by any known means ofcommunicating and/or transmitting communications, signals, commandsand/or data input/output, including, but not limited to, the examplesshown as 1017, such as 1009, 1011, 1013 and 1015 and any other devices,hardware or other input/output generating and receiving aspects. Anyphenomenon that may be sensed may be managed, manipulated anddistributed and may be taken or converted as input or output through anysensor or carrier known in the art. In addition, directly carriedelements (for example a light stream taken by fiber optics from a viewof a scene) may be directly managed, manipulated and distributed inwhole or in part to enhance output, and whole ambient light informationfor an environmental region may be taken by a series of sensorsdedicated to angles of detection, or an omnidirectional sensor or seriesof sensors which record direction as well as the presence of photonsrecorded, and may exclude the need for lenses or point sensors (orignore or re-purpose sensors “out of focal plane” for detecting bokehinformation or enhancing resolution as focal lengths and apertures areselected), only later to be analyzed and rendered into focal planes orfields of a user's choice through the system. While this example isillustrative, it is understood that any form of electromagnetism,compression wave or other sensory phenomenon may include such sensorydirectional and 3D locational information, which may also be madepossible by multiple locations of sensing, preferably, in a similar, ifnot identical, time frame. Such sensors may be present, controlled by,and in communication with the control system constantly, orintermittently, and may be present within a mouthpiece of an oral caredevice, to aid in taking 3-D or other images, or related data, of auser's oral cavity, or parts thereof, and storing, sharing and usingsuch images and data, as set forth in this application. The system maycondition, select all or part of, alter and/or generate composites fromall or part of such direct or analog image transmissions, and maycombine them with other forms of image data, such as digital imagefiles, if such direct or data encoded sources are used.

While the illustrated system example 1000 may be helpful to understandthe implementation of aspects of the invention, it is understood thatany form of computer system may be used to implement many aspects of theinvention—for example, a simpler computer system containing just aprocessor (datapath and control) for executing instructions from amemory or transmission source. The aspects or features set forth may beimplemented with, and in any combination of, digital electroniccircuitry, hardware, software, firmware, or in analog or direct (such aslight-based or analog electronic or magnetic or direct transmission,without translation and the attendant degradation, of the image medium)circuitry or associational storage and transmission, any of which may beaided with external detail or aspect enhancing media from externalhardware and software, optionally, by networked connection, such as byLAN, WAN or the many connections forming the internet. The system can beembodied in a tangibly-stored computer program, as by a machine-readablemedium and propagated signal, for execution by a programmable processor.The method steps of the embodiments of the present invention may beperformed by such a programmable processor, executing a program ofinstructions, operating on input and output, and generating output. Acomputer program includes instructions for a computer to carry out aparticular activity to bring about a particular result, and may bewritten in any programming language, including compiled and uncompiled,interpreted languages, assembly languages and machine language, and canbe deployed in any form, including a complete program, module,component, subroutine, or other suitable routine for a computer program.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a new form of oral care device 1100,which can be used to quickly and simultaneously brush and floss each ofa user's teeth and other parts of a user's mouth, in some embodiments.In some embodiments, which will be discussed in greater detail below,device 1100 can rapidly clean a user's entire oral cavity in under 30seconds, with results exceeding the hygiene normally obtained with aconventional or existing electric toothbrush. Some aspects of device1100, such as the example teeth-accepting channels 1101 and exemplarycontrol system-actuable teeth-cleaning brushes 1102 on their surfaces(one example shown, only, for clarity of illustration—but it should beunderstood that such brushes preferably line each surface of thechannels 1101), are similar in nature to that shown for toothbrushesdiscussed above. In the interests of brevity and clarity, not each ofsuch repetitive aspects will be set forth again in full detail. However,several additional aspects are set forth in this figure in this sectionof the application.

For example, a generally crescent-shaped handle section 1104 ispictured. As with handle end 804 of device 800, discussed above, a usercan grip handle section 1104 and insert a cleaning section (in thiscase, U-shaped cleaning section 1103) into his or her mouth, becausethese two major sections are physically and rigidly attached to oneanother. Although unconventional, and perhaps reducing some of theleverage and ease for maneuvering device 1100 than more conventionalhandles, the crescent-shaped configuration of handle 1104 has many otheradvantages, too numerous to set forth in detail here—several of whichare unique to the oral hygiene techniques set forth in the presentapplication. Generally speaking, handle 1104 has a wide range ofhorizontal handgrip positions, facilitating grip by a user's preferencesand right or left hand equally. Also enhancing that grip, and thepresentation and access of various user interface aspects, is an upwardand user-facing surface panel 1105. The user interface aspects mayinclude a main power button 1107, a mode selection button 1109, anintensity-adjusting button 1111, and a display, such as exemplaryindicator light 1113. The function of each of such user interfaceaspects will be discussed herein in detail, below, as well as inreference to the techniques set forth in reference to the next figure(FIG. 12). Also within handle section 1104 are two holding tanks:Water/solvent tank 1115 and a dentifrice/treatment tank 1117, which mayhold a toothpaste, tooth-treating chemicals and/or other dentifrice.Each of tanks 1115 and 1117 may be filled and refilled by a user, bypouring water or solvent into a valved opening 1119 to tank 1115, or bysqueezing a toothpaste or other dentifrice into valved opening 1121 totank 1117. Both of tanks 1115 and 1117 are preferably downward-sloped attheir bases, and/or comprise pumps (such as exemplary pump 1123) to pumpthe fluid within them, toward and through distribution conduits—such asthe examples set forth as 1125. Those pumps, the user interface aspectson panel 1105, sensors, and any other active aspects of device 1100 setforth herein may be controlled and powered by a control system 1127,such as the control system set forth above in reference to FIG. 10,which may be electrically connected and adapted for communications withthose aspects via wiring (such as exemplary wiring 1129) and/or anyother means of power and communications know in the art. In someembodiments, the fluid contents moved through distribution conduits 1125may be first mixed, whipped or otherwise agitated in a mixingantechamber 1131, before being further pumped (not pictured) fordistribution through secondary distribution conduits, such as theexamples shown as 1133 (although shown just leading to a few exemplaryline-creating ports, discussed below, it should be understood that acomplex of many more such conduits, leading to and separatelypressurized and controlled for each and every port by the controlsystem, or, in some embodiments, to outer- or inner-facing ports, may beincluded). In some embodiments, the control system 1127 may alter themixture and amounts of each fluid component from each of tanks 1115 and1117, according to a mode or intensity selected by a user (using modeselection button 1109 or intensity selection button 1111 or, in someembodiments, data from sensors—for example, by metering out differentamounts of fluid from each of tanks 1115 and 1117 through controlledvalves or pumps conducting fluid from the tanks to mixing antechamber1131. In any event, the mixed fluids (which may be, alternatively,isolated in separate distribution conduits, and released in controlledamounts at the point of use, a user's teeth) are next conducted tocleaning section 1103, across a bridge 1135 adjoining that section withhandle section 1104, via secondary distribution conduits 1133.

Upon entering cleaning section 1103, the mixed fluids are sent tonumerous ejection ports, such as example ports 1137 which are and createflossing projections via the resulting ejection of fluids. Although theexample of flossing line establishing ports 1137 are given, it should beunderstood that a wide variety of other extrusion ports, slides,diffusion matrices or transmission materials, siphons or othertransmission techniques may, alternatively or in addition, be used totransmit the fluids into contact with the user's teeth, gums, and theremainder of his or her oral cavity. In the embodiment shown, theejection of fluids through each of ports 1137 is preferably forciblypulsed according to a timing and pattern of force set forth in theparticular use mode selected by a user (and carried out by controlsystem 1127). Also preferably, there are at least two ports, situated ata point of division between two tooth-cradling pockets (such asexemplary channels/pockets 1140), and dedicated to establishing flossinglines between each gap in a pair of user's teeth. One of those ports,such as exemplary port 1139, is located at the outward-facing surface ofthe user's teeth, while the other, such as exemplary port 1141, islocated at the inward-facing surface of the user's teeth, when a userhas placed section 1103 within his or her mouth, and inserted each ofher teeth into pockets 1140. Preferably, in most usage modes, only oneof each of those two opposing pairs of ports at each gap is active,ejecting the fluid, at a given time, and the force with which it isexpelled is sufficient to fully penetrate and clean the gap between theuser's teeth to which the pair of ports is dedicated, as well as the gapbetween the teeth and gums. To prevent fluid from the active portentering the opposing, inactive port, port-tightening water-foils 1143may be included about the outer surface of each port—as shown inexemplary port 1144. In some embodiments, such as that pictured withexemplary port, the material comprising the flossing lines that theycreate may be more rigid than with the use of an ejected fluid. In theexample pictured with port 1150, for instance, a flattened flossing tape1151 is gripped by a pair of opposing ports (of which port 1150 is one).In some embodiments, such flossing tape 1151 may have central ridges1153 with edges to aid in brushing between the user's teeth. This isespecially effective in embodiments, such as that pictured for port1150, where the control system can raise, lower and vibrate the flossingline (with motors attached to each of the ports, and an open channel forport 1150 to travel within) between the user's teeth, and even under thegums by actuating the angle of the tape (e.g., with a rotary motor orgimble changing the angle of the leading edge of the floss line).Similarly, with fluid floss lines, the flossing fluid ejected from theports may have a wide variety of differing angles of ejection, includingdirections entering under the gum line. For example, in someembodiments, the angle of ejection of the ports differs depending on theexact fluid pressure applied by the control system. A restingconformation of the port that points more upward, for example, resultsin a higher angle of ejection, into the user's gums, when a lowerpressure of ejection is caused by a variable-pressure pump controlled bythe control system. But if a higher pressure is applied, and theelastomeric components of the port are stretched more greatly, theresulting extending conformation results in a more lateral angle ofpressure for the resulting flossing line.

As with device 800, device 1100 may also comprise a motorized tonguebrush, or other oral cavity brush attached to and powered by the deviceand conforming to any surface of the user's oral cavity or throat, andalso controlled by control system 1127. Also as with device 800, andmore visible in the present figure, 2 sets of tooth-accepting channelsare present namely, an upper set of tooth-accepting and -cleaningchannels 1145 and a lower set of tooth-accepting and -cleaning channels1147. Each set 1145 and 1147 is generally U-shaped to match and conformwith the contour of a user's two rows of teeth (in the instance of ahuman user). The sets can be custom-molded to the exact impression or3-dimensional shape of each user's mouth, for example, by comprising aheat-conformable material to match a mold of the user's teeth. An innermaterial, on which other structural components, may be of greaterrigidity and less susceptible to such a molding process, or, in someembodiments, separated from the remainder of device 1100 duringcustom-molding (or vice versa, with a conformable outer shell separablefrom the remainder of the device during molding). Other adjustments,such as brush sizes and extensions, and the addition and exactpositioning of ports, may also be custom-fit onto the device, after oras part of the molding process, avoiding the dangers of heat or otherchemicals facilitating molding by adding those other components to themolded components later.

Although the example of dentifrice, water and other fluid-containingtanks has been provided, it should be understood that any suitable formof storage and conduit may, alternatively or in addition, be used. Insome embodiments, only one tank, for dentifrice, toothpaste or othermouth washes, may be included, while water is simply applied to device1100 and/or its brushes. In still other embodiments, external storagetanks, connected to device via flexible conduits, may instead be used.As yet another alternative, cartridges (not pictured), holding thefluid(s), may be inserted into device, and exchanged out when depleted,rather than having a permanent, on board storage tank(s).

Also, although the example of bristled brushes, similar to aconventional toothbrush, has been provided, it should be understood thatany form of brush suitable for cleaning tooth surfaces may be used forany tooth-cleaning device set forth herein. In some embodiments, arubberized, non-porous material, with cleaning ridges may be used. Inother embodiments, ultrasound or other waves or vibrations may be usedfor cleaning, rather than brushes. For example, even the fluid ejectedfrom the flossing ports may include a vibrational actuator, and/orultrasound for moving the fluid, surrounding air or other fluid ejectedfrom the ports or surrounding the user's teeth. Preferably, acombination of more than one of each of these approaches is included,and cycled in a mode for optimally, or deep-cleaning the user's teeth.

FIG. 12 is a process flow diagram depicting exemplary steps 1200 thatmay taken by a control system carrying out aspects of the presentinvention, such as the control systems discussed above, and in referenceto FIG. 10, controlling bite-actuable cleaning device 1100.

Beginning with step 1201, the control system, such as the control systemset forth above in reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, first determineswhether device 1100 is powered on (e.g., by a user depressing main powerbutton 1107), meaning that the control system is receiving power from apower source (e.g., a local lithium-ion battery with sufficient power topower the operations of the control system and device 1100.) If not, insome embodiments, the control system may indicate that recharging isnecessary (for example, by causing its display 1113 to flash yellow). Insome embodiments, the control system may next proceed to step 1203, inwhich it further determines whether a user has inserted his or her teethsufficiently into the teeth-accepting channels of device 1100 beforeproceeding (e.g., with pressure sensors, and requiring a sufficientnumber and pressure within the teeth-accepting channels of the device).Next, in step 1205, the system next determines what mode the user hasselected for use of the device. For example, in a regular mode, aregular or default length of time, intensity or length of brush strokes,type of brush movement or ultrasound or other vibration levels orcharacteristics may be selected and carried out by the control systemwhen actuating ports, brushes and other aspects of the device. In other,more brief modes, a user may indicate that a faster clean (e.g., when nofood has been consumed, in the morning) is desired, and the system willcarry out a less vigorous, less lengthy, cleansing routine. In a moreintense than default mode, by contrast, such as a whitening mode, thesystem may carry out a more vigorous, deep-cleaning and lengthy routinewhen carrying out the remainder of the steps set forth in this figure.As yet another example, a mode emphasizing the cleansing and massagingof the gums—for example, with the lower pressure ejection actuationdiscussed above—may be carried out.

However, if power has been activated and is sufficient, and regardlessof the mode selected, the control system then proceeds to step 1207, inwhich it first implements a delay while readying the cleansing routine.Proceeding to step 1209, in some embodiments, the control system maybegin to power the brushes and flossing lines of the device, but in agraduated, slowly accelerating manner. In step 1211, and as speed isslowly building, the system may pump water through the ejection ports,with an increasing amount of dentifrice, pre-rinsing the user's teeth.In some embodiments, the device also flushes water and debris in thisstep, potentially activating a valve to release fluid, draining it awayfrom the device and into a storage container within the device (or intothe user's sink through a release hatch). Proceeding to step 1213, thesystem may begin to increase the amount of dentifrice and treatmentfluids, soaking the user's teeth. In steps 1215 and 1217, the system maybegin to increase the cleansing activity and speed of the brushes, instages. In step 1219, the system may begin to actuate the floss lines ofthe device and, in some embodiments, threading them into the user'steeth, while, in others, creating lines of fluid, as set forth ingreater detail above. At any point during this routine, the systemand/or the user may elect to flush the device with water, and/or pausethe scrubbing activity of the flossing and brushes, in optional steps1210 and 1212 and 1221. Finally, the control system may repeat any ofthese steps, before returning to the starting position, in step 1223.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another example oral care device 1300with a generally curved (in the example pictured, U-shaped) mouthpiece1303, along with an example cartridge 1306 and cartridge-loadingcompartment 1308, shaped according to a complementary proprietary formfactor, and other unique embodiments of the present invention. As withthe oral care device set forth above, in reference to FIG. 11, in someembodiments, oral care device 1300's mouthpiece, such as the exampleU-shaped mouthpiece 1303, includes teeth-accepting channel(s), such asteeth-accepting channel(s) 1301, for accepting each of an upper andlower set of a user's teeth. Also as with other oral care devices setforth in the present application, in some embodiments, theteeth-accepting channel(s) 1301 include several example controlsystem-actuable teeth-cleaning brushes, such as the exampleteeth-cleaning brushes 1302 pictured, each of which may be powered andcontrolled by a control system at least partially within oral caredevice 1300. In some embodiments, teeth-cleaning brushes may have adifferent shape than some of the specific examples of teeth-cleaningbrushes provided elsewhere, however. For example, in some suchembodiments, teeth-cleaning brushes 1302 are provided with curvedsurfaces, such as the examples shown as curved surfaces 1304, formed bythe heads of the bristles, such as example bristles 1305, of each of theteeth-cleaning brushes, such as the example teeth-cleaning brushes 1302.In some embodiments, those curved surfaces, such as the example shown asexample curved surfaces 1304 are curved to conform to and match theouter surface curves of a user's teeth and gums. In some suchembodiments, curved surfaces 1304 include an upward-pointing ridge 1307,angled toward, and matching, the gum-line of a user of oral care device1300. In some embodiments, curved surfaces 1304 form a plurality ofconcave, tooth-hugging pockets, such as the example shown as 1309, intowhich a user may insert each of his or her teeth. In some suchembodiments, interdental inserting ridges, such as the examples shown as1311, are disposed between each of tooth-hugging pockets 1309, which mayaid in cleaning between the user's teeth. In some embodiments,liquid-releasing jets, such as the example pictured as liquid-releasingjet 1313, are included, and also disposed between each of tooth-huggingpockets 1309. Such liquid-releasing jets may also aid in cleaningbetween a user's teeth, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, theliquid-releasing jets also introduce fluids including materials fortreatments other than cleansing. For example, in some such embodiments,such materials include tooth whiteners, such as bleaching ordeep-cleaning treatment materials. In some embodiments, such materialsinclude gum-massaging and moisturizing materials. In some embodiments,such materials include anti-oxidants. In some embodiments, suchmaterials include fluoride. In some embodiments, such materials includea breath freshener. In some embodiments, such materials include ananti-microbial material, such as an antibiotic. In some embodiments,such materials include a pre-biotic or pro-biotic material. In someembodiments, such materials include a vitamin. In some embodiments, suchmaterials include a mineral. In some embodiments, such materials includealcohol.

In some embodiments, liquid emptying ports (not pictured) are alsoprovided within teeth-accepting channels 1301, which may be connectedto, and empty fluids from teeth-accepting channels 1301. In someembodiments, such emptied fluids may be pumped or otherwise fed throughdisposal channels (not pictured) within U-Shaped mouthpiece 1303, to adisposal tank (not pictured). In some such embodiments, such disposalchannels and/or a disposal tank are at least partially within a handleof oral care device 1300, which may be a U-shaped, V-shaped, C-shaped orhyperbolic-shaped or parabolic-shaped, or other curved handle—such asexample U-shaped handle. (In some embodiments, handle may be, or maypartially be, linear or otherwise straight-edged, however.) In someembodiments, jets 1313 are fed by fluid-directing channels. In some suchembodiments, those fluid-directing channels may cycle some of the samefluids and materials as the disposal channels. In some such embodiments,some such fluid-directing channels and disposal channels may be the samechannels. For example, in some such embodiments, materials and fluidsmay be cycled through jets 1313 into the teeth-accepting channels 1301,where they may be agitated and applied to a user's teeth, gums and oralcavity with the aid of motorized brushes, such as teeth-cleaning brushes1302, and then removed from the teeth-accepting channels 1301 by suchliquid-emptying ports, and then back out through jets 1313, and so on.In some such embodiments, such a process continues for a duration set bya user and/or the control system of oral care device 1300. In some suchembodiments, such a process continues at particular rate(s) or intensitylevel(s) (e.g., pressure of liquids emitted from jets 1313) or patternsthereof. In some such embodiments, such rate(s), intensity level(s) orpatterns thereof are defined by a mode of operation, which can be setfrom a number of options, by a user and/or a control system controllingoral care device 1300. Some of those modes and related methods arediscussed in greater detail below, in reference to FIG. 14. In some suchembodiments, such a mode is indicated to a user via a mode indicator.For example, in the example pictured, a display 1314 indicates to a userthat oral care device 1300 is currently being, or was most recently,operated in a “Spa” mode, by displaying the word “SPA”. In some suchembodiments, such a display displays a mode indicator, along with otherdata to a user, such as time or duration indicator 1316. In someembodiments, such a time or duration indicator indicates to a user howmuch time has elapsed and/or is remaining in a cleaning or treatmentregimen. In some embodiments, display 1314 displays such indicators in abackwards readout, such that, when a user looks in the mirror with oralcare device 1300 inserted in his or her mouth, he or she sees anon-reversed image of any words displayed by display 1314.

In some method embodiments of aspects of the present invention, a 3-Dimage of at least part of a user's mouth is taken, and the shape of thecurved surfaces formed by the brush head bristles, such as examplecurved surfaces 1304, is created to conform to and match that part of auser's mouth. For example, in some embodiments, a dental mold may betaken of the inside of a user's mouth, and the shape (including size) ofthe curved surfaces are created with a shape conforming to the shape anddimensions of the dental mold. In some embodiments, a 3-D scan may betaken of the inside of a user's mouth, and the shape (including size) ofthe curved surfaces are created with a shape conforming to the shape anddimensions of the 3-D scan. In some embodiments, such a 3-D image may betaken of a user's teeth, teeth and gums and/or oral cavity.

In some embodiments, the specific shape of U-shaped mouthpiece 1303 mayalso, or alternatively, be created to conform to and match a part of auser's mouth. In some such embodiments, a 3-D image of at least part ofa user's mouth is taken, and the shape of the outer surface 1315 ofU-shaped mouthpiece 1303 is created to conform to and match that part ofa user's mouth. In some embodiments, a dental mold may be taken of theinside of a user's mouth, and the shape (including size) of the outersurface 1315 of U-shaped mouthpiece 1303 is created with a shapeconforming to the shape and dimensions of the dental mold. In someembodiments, a 3-D scan may be taken of the inside of a user's mouth,and the shape (including size) of the outer surface 1315 of U-shapedmouthpiece 1303 is created with a shape conforming to the shape anddimensions of the 3-D scan.

In some embodiments, the curved surfaces formed by the brush headbristles, such as example curved surfaces 1304, may be integrated withone another, forming a single brushing surface, capable of contacting,brushing and/or treating all of a user's teeth simultaneously. In somesuch embodiments, such curved surfaces may also contact other parts of auser's mouth, such as the gum-line, simultaneously with so contactingall of a user's teeth. In some embodiments, each of the teeth-cleaningbrushes, such as the example teeth-cleaning brushes 1302, is actuated bya separate motor, controlled by a control system of oral care device1300. In some such embodiments, a removable liner 1317 may include aplurality of removable brackets (not pictured), each of which isreversibly connected to one of such motors. In some such embodiments,the size and contours of removable liner 1317 may be created based onany of the 3-D imaging or information techniques for creating the curvedsurfaces formed by the brush head bristles, or for creating the outersurface 1315 of U-shaped mouthpiece 1303, as discussed above. In someembodiments, removable liner 1317 may be waterproof. In someembodiments, removable liner 1317 may be permanently attached to, orotherwise integrated with, the remainder of oral device 1300. In someembodiments, water or fluid-tight seals, such as example rubber seal1319, may be included in U-shaped mouthpiece 1303, and configured to,with the user's gums against which they press while installed in auser's mouth, form a liquid- or other fluid-tight barrier, preventingthe escape of liquid or other fluids from teeth-accepting channel(s)1301 while using oral care device 1300.

As mentioned above, in some embodiments, oral care devices in accordancewith aspects of the present invention may hold and distribute water,dentifrice, treatments, and other oral care materials from standardizedpackages, which may be temporarily, reversibly connected to fluidconduits of the oral care devices, to at least part of a user's oralcavity, such as her or his teeth, gums, tongue, sublingual areas, theroof of the mouth, and throat. In some embodiments, such standardizedpackages may be issued and delivered from a remote source, which may becontrolled, at least in part, by a control system and/or a medicalauthority, such as a dentist. For example, and also as mentioned above,in some embodiments, specialized, standardized cartridges, such asexample cartridge 1306, may be so issued. In some embodiments, suchstandardized packages (e.g., cartridge 1306) may include one or morepart(s) with a proprietary format, to ensure that only correctcartridges, approved for use with the particular type of oral caredevice, are installed onto or into the oral care device. For example,cartridge 1306 is pictured with an unusually-shaped housing 1321, shapedaccording to a proprietary, unusual form factor—namely, in this example,an elongated, V-shape of particular proportions, angles and dimensions.As a result, a lower surface 1323 conforms with that proprietary,unusual form factor. Similarly, a cartridge-loading compartment 1308 isalso shaped according to the same, proprietary, unusual form factor,albeit in reverse (bas-relief) to the shape of cartridge 1306, such thatcartridge-loading compartment 1308 and cartridge 1306 have acomplementary, inverse 3-D form factor relative to one another. As such,and as pictured, cartridge 1306 may be installed into compartment 1308by sliding end 1325 of cartridge 1306 into cartridge-loading compartment1308, as pictured by force/motion vector arrow 1326. In someembodiments, the proper degree of insertion for such installation isensured by stops 1327, which arrest further insertion at the correctlength to ensure the seating of internal connectors (not pictured)between cartridge 1306 and cartridge-loading compartment 1308. Asmentioned above, some of such connectors may be conduits from aninternal tank holding such oral care fluids within cartridge 1306, andconduits within oral care device 1300 which deliver fluids to a user'soral cavity. For example, in some embodiments, such conduits within oralcare device 1300 connect with ports 1313, delivering fluids fromcartridge 1306 to teeth-accepting channel(s) 1301. In some embodiments,such conduits within oral care device 1300 and such conduits from aninternal tank of cartridge 1306 may comprise connecting ports, with acomplementary form factor for physically interfacing with one another.In some embodiments, such ports include valves which are forced openupon such physical interfacing. In some embodiments, such valveselectrical actuators, which are controlled by a control system, whichmay be present within cartridge 1306 and/or oral care device 1300. Forexample, in some such embodiments, such a control system may be acontrol system such as that disclosed in reference to FIG. 10. In someembodiments, multiple such internal tanks may be present in cartridge1306. In some embodiments, such an internal tank may be present withinoral care device 1300. In some such embodiments, such an internal tankmay be present within oral care device 1300 and may receive cleaning andtreatment fluids from cartridge 1306, which may then be decoupled fromoral care device 1300 prior to use.

Of course, such a control system within oral care device 1300 may carryout a number of methods and steps aside from controlling the channelingand release of cleaning and treatment oral care fluids. For example,with or without user input, such a control system may carry out steps ofany of the methods set forth in the present application. Some suchexample steps are set forth below, in reference to FIG. 14.

Such user input may be created and received via user controls, in someembodiments. For example, in some embodiments, a power button and/orswitch 1329 may be provided. In some such embodiments, a user pressingpower button and/or switch 1329 causes oral care device 1300 to powerup, delivering power from an internal or external power source to partof the control system. In some such embodiments, a lighted indicatordisplay 1330 may be used to indicate whether device 1300 has been sopowered up. For example, in some embodiments, such a power source may bea battery (not pictured) within oral care device 1300. In someembodiments, such a power source may be an external, wireless powersource, and oral care device may include a wireless power receiver. Insome embodiments, a wired power source may be connected to device 1300(e.g., by a power cable from a wall outlet or external power pack.) Asmentioned above, oral care devices may include a number of operatingmodes and durations of operation, which may be selected by such acontrol system, or a user, by entering input through such user controls.For example, in some embodiments, a user may select or request a mode ofoperation of oral care device 1300 with a mode selection button 1331. Insome embodiments, other aspects of device 1300's performance may beselected using a performance option selection button 1333. In some suchembodiments, such a performance option may be a duration of operation.In some such embodiments, such a performance option may be an intensitylevel of operation. In some such embodiments, such an intensity level ofoperation may be a fluid pressure level. In some embodiments, such anintensity level of operation may be a speed of brush movement. In someembodiments, such an intensity level may relate to an amplitude ofultrasound generated by device 1300. For example, in some modes ofoperation, oral care device 1300 may include ultrasound emitters. Insome such embodiments, such ultrasound emitters target a user's teeth.In some embodiments, such ultrasound emitters target brushes of oralcare device 1300. In some embodiments, such ultrasound emitters targetfluids emitted by oral care device 1300. As also mentioned above, suchmodes may be affected by parameters or other rules set forth by acontrol system and/or a central authority, for optimizing the oral careof a user. In some embodiments, such modes and durations of use may beindicated to a user via feedback. For example, in some embodiments, suchfeedback is haptic feedback, delivered by a haptic actuator within oralcare device 1300. In some embodiments, such feedback may be visual,delivered via a display (such as example display 1314), as explainedabove. In some embodiments, observations may be made by such a controlsystem, or user operating such a control system, within oral care device1300 and/or 1306, or a control system variably connected with suchcontrol system(s). In some such embodiments, sensors are located withinmouthpiece 1303, and connected with such a control system. In some suchembodiments, such sensors may be a camera. In some such embodiments,such sensors may detect changes in the condition of a user's mouth, atdifferent times, as will be discussed in greater detail below. Forexample, in some such embodiments, such sensors may detect plaque and/ortooth decay. In some embodiments, such sensors may detect gum bleeding.In some embodiments, such sensors may detect a soil level of a user'steeth and/or mouth. In some such embodiments, such sensors are coupledwith a light source, such as a flash. As will be discussed furtherbelow, some such detection is carried out by comparing images obtainedthrough such sensors of parts of a user's oral cavity over time and/ortwo standard images and data related to various oral health relatedconditions. In some such embodiments, a library of such standard imagesin data, for such comparisons (e.g., by confidence interval matching).

FIG. 14 is a process flow diagram depicting example steps 1400 that maytaken by a control system carrying out aspects of the present invention,such as the example control systems discussed above, and in reference toFIGS. 10 and/or 11, controlling an oral care device, such as thosediscussed above in reference to FIG. 13.

Beginning with step 1401, the control system, such as the control systemmay first determine whether the oral care device (such as oral caredevice 1300) is powered on (e.g., by a user actuating power buttonand/or switch 1329), meaning that the control system is receiving powerfrom a power source (e.g., a local lithium-ion battery with sufficientpower to power the operations of the control system and device 1300) andmay assess the power level available for use by the oral care device. Insome embodiments, the control system may indicate that power level tothe user in step 1403 (for example, by causing its light display 1330 toflash red to signify low power, or by a graphic display, such as exampledisplay 1314 to provide a readout indicating a power state to a user,and/or by providing haptic feedback). In some embodiments, the controlsystem next proceeds to step 1405, in which it assesses (e.g., viasensors within fluid-containing tanks of oral care device 1300, orcartridge 1306) a fluid/fill level for each type of fluid present ineach fluid-containing tank of oral care device 1300 and/or cartridge1306. For example, in some embodiments, the control system assesses awater tank level. In some embodiments, the control system assesses adentifrice level. In some embodiments, the control system assessesanother level for another treatment material. In some embodiments, thecontrol system also assesses a battery state, for a control systemwithin oral care device 1300 or cartridge 1306. In some embodiments, thecontrol system may fail to read, or fail adequately to read, such alevel within cartridge 1306, for example, due to a connection error dueto improperly aligned or insufficiently inserted electrical contactsbetween cartridge 1306 and oral care device 1300, and determine that thecartridge, or fluids within it, have been incompletely, or incorrectlyinstalled, in step 1407. In some such embodiments, an alert may beissued to the user, in subsequent step 1409 (through any display, hapticfeedback device, or other suitable communications mechanism, in someembodiments). Similarly, if, in step 1411, the control system determinesthat a non-proprietary, or unauthorized cartridge has been installed indevice 1300, it may also issue such an alert to a user. In some suchembodiments, such a determination may be made by a failed authenticationchallenge between the control system and an authentication device withinthe cartridge.

In some embodiments, the control system may next proceed to steps 1412and 1413, in which it further determines (e.g., via sensors) whether auser has properly inserted a mouthpiece of the oral care device into heror his mouth, or has inserted his or her teeth sufficiently into theteeth-accepting channels of the oral care device (e.g., 1300) (e.g.,with pressure sensors, and requiring a sufficient number and pressurewithin the teeth-accepting channels of the device) before proceeding. Ifthe control system determines that the user has not properly inserted amouthpiece of the oral care device into her or his mouth, or has notinserted his or her teeth sufficiently into the teeth-accepting channelsof the oral care device, the control system may proceed to step 1415, insome embodiments, in which it issues an alert that there is aninstallation or device alignment issue to the user, via any of thecommunications methods set forth in this application, and then returnsto the starting position. Assuming that the user has properly inserted amouthpiece of the oral care device into her or his mouth, and hasinserted his or her teeth sufficiently into the teeth-accepting channelsof the oral care device, the control system may simultaneously proceedto steps 1417 et seq. and, in some embodiments, in parallel, to steps1429 et seq.

Proceeding to step 1417, the control system may first take images (e.g.,from a camera within oral device 1300, such as example camera 1351, orother sensor readings from other sensors detecting aspects of the insideof a user's mouth, and stores data related to those images or otherreadings within a library of such data related to the user in step 1419.For example, in some embodiments, the control system may store images orother readings of a user's teeth and/or gums. In some embodiments, thecontrol system may store images or other readings of a user's tongue. Insome embodiments, the control system may store images or other readingsof a user's mucous membrane. In some embodiments, the control system maystore images or other readings of a user's roof of the mouth. In someembodiments, the control system may store images or other readings of auser's throat. In some embodiments, the control system may store imagesor other readings of a users' sublingual area. In some embodiments, thecontrol system may store images or other readings of a user's breath. Insome embodiments, the control system may store images or other readingsof other aspects of a user's mouth. In some embodiments, the controlsystem may take particular readings and data as ordered by, and relaythose readings and data to, a third party authority, such as the user'sdentist. The control system may then proceed to step 1421, wherein itcompares those images and other readings, or data based on them, topreviously-stored data and readings, or data related to other images andreadings stored by the control system. In some such embodiments, theother images and readings stored by the control system may be previouslystored images and readings for that user, and the control system maygenerate a comparison between the data related to the most recent imagesand readings and the previously stored data related to images andreadings for that user. In some embodiments, the control system maycompare data related to the most recent images and other data stored bythe control system. For example, in some such embodiments, such datarelates to conditions or changes in conditions within a user's mouthindicating a particular disease, ailment or disorder. In some suchembodiments, images or readings of particular features of a user's mouthmay be compared to features associated with such conditions, such asplaques or cavities. As another example, in some such embodiments, suchdata relates to conditions or changes in conditions within a user'smouth indicating a positive health condition for human's oral hygieneand health. Based on such data and comparisons, the control system maynext generate recommendations for the user, and an action plan for theperformance of cleaning and other treatments by the oral care device (orotherwise, such as by a dentist), from a library of such action plansfor redressing any conditions associated with, or otherwise indicated,by those data and comparisons, in step 1423. For example, in someembodiments, such an action plan may be a prescription of actions andcertain fluids or other treatments to be administered to a user's teethand/or mouth via the oral care device, in particular modes of operationand durations of use of oral care device 1300. In some such embodiments,cartridges containing such treatments, and/or commanding such actions(e.g., with coding within a data storage device within the cartridge)may be issued to the user by a central authority, in communication with,or included within, the control system. In some embodiments, a dentistor other oral care provider may alerted to the conditions so identified,the action plan prescribed and/or other the recommendations andinformation obtained and created by the control system, in step 1425.The user, using the oral care device 1300, may then begin to carry outthat action plan, in step 1427.

Such an action plan preferably includes a number of steps carried out(e.g., periodically) with the oral care device. Thus, as mentionedabove, when the control system proceeds to step 1429, in someembodiments, the control system may assess whether a treatment plan oraction plan based on a treatment plan and/or an inserted cartridgewithin the oral care device contains instructions, cuing up andindicating which actions are to be undertaken by the oral care devicefor a particular user. If so, the control system may proceed to step1431, in which it adopts such cues, and readies the actions indicated.For example, in some embodiments, readings and data may have indicatedthat a user is developing plaque, or yellowing teeth. Accordingly, insuch an embodiment, an treatment plan including actions to address thatplaque and reverse it, may be cued, and the oral care device may bereadied to carry out such actions (e.g., more vigorous brush actions,for a greater duration, with an anti-gingivitis dentifrice, andanti-microbial treatments). Other sources of requested actions by oralcare device 1300 may, of course, also be made. For example, in someembodiments, the control system may determine whether it has receivedrequests from the user to carry out particular modes of use, durationsand other operation parameters, in step 1433, and adopts such cues, andreadies the actions indicated, in step 1435. Similarly, a third partyauthority, such as the user's dentist, may also request particulartreatments and other actions to be undertaken by the oral care devicefor a particular user, which are communicated to the control system instep 1437. In some instances, it may not be possible to carry out allsuch treatments and actions requested, as provided in steps 1429 through1437. In such cases, the control system may deconflict those differingrequested treatments and actions, in step 1439. In some suchembodiments, deconfliction may be carried out according to rules (e.g.,prioritizing a dentist's recommendations for the user over otherrequests) and carrying out only some of those requests, or prioritizingthose requests.

From those deconflicted or otherwise cued actions and treatments of atreatment plan and an action plan, the control system may next selectsuch actions and treatments, and parameters therefor, selecting aduration(s) for operation of the requested oral care treatment(s) andaction(s) in step 1441, and particular mode(s) of operation, in step1443. For example, in some embodiments, the control system may selectany of several duration options for carrying out such treatments andactions, in step 1445. As another example, in some embodiments, thecontrol system may select any of several mode or other action options tocarry out for the user, in step 1447. The control system may thenperform the particular treatments and other actions selected, by issuingactuation commands to actuators within the oral care device, in step1449. For example, in some embodiments, a “Deep Clean” mode may beselected, in which more vigorous, or longer durations of actuation forbrushes, ultrasound and fluid-channeling jets may be performed, andparticular treatment fluids, using greater soil removal components(e.g., textured components or surfactants) may be summoned by thecontrol system and implemented. In some embodiments a “Fast” mode may beselected, in which a more superficial, shorter duration actions andtreatment are selected and carried out. In some such embodiments, an“on-the-go” sub-mode may be implemented, in which water-retaining sealsand fluid recycling and storage techniques set forth in this applicationmay be implemented, such that a user may use the oral care device awayfrom a sink, with no mess (e.g., at his or her desk, or whilecommuting). As yet another example, in some embodiments, a “Spa” modemay be selected, in which the control system carries out more gentlemassaging actions using brushes and ultrasound, with rhythmic, massagingmotions, and/or for a longer duration. In some such embodiments,pleasurable-tasting and feeling treatments (such as fluids withessential oils) may be released from jets within oral care device 1300.As yet another example, in some embodiments, a “whitening mode” may beselected, in which whitening treatments are released onto a user'steeth, such as a bleach or deep cleanser, or UV light (from a UV lightsource within teeth-accepting channels). In some embodiments, anycombination of modes or actions and treatments carried out in aparticular order, and for particular durations, may be selected for aparticular user to carry out any particular treatment recommended forthe user.

The control system may then return to the starting position.

FIG. 15 is a front view of another example oral care device 1500 with amore linear format mouthpiece 1503, along with an example cartridge 1506and cartridge-loading compartment 1508, shaped according to anothercomplementary proprietary form factor, and other unique embodiments ofthe present invention. As with other oral care devices set forth above,in some embodiments, oral care device 1300's mouthpiece, such as theexample linear format mouthpiece 1503, includes one or moreteeth-accepting channel(s), such as teeth-accepting channel 1501, foraccepting one or more teeth in each of an upper and lower set of auser's teeth. In the example pictured, teeth-accepting channel 1501 isshaped to accept two of a user's teeth, in example tooth-acceptingpockets 1505 and 1507. To form tooth-accepting pockets 1505 and 1507,teeth-cleaning brush(es) 1502 are provided with complex,tooth-surrounding, curved surfaces, such as the examples shown as curvedsurfaces 1504, formed by the heads of the bristles, such as examplebristles 1506. In some embodiments, those curved surfaces, such as theexample shown as example curved surfaces 1504 are curved to conform to,match and/or hug the outer surface curves of a user's teeth and gums. Insome embodiments, the contours of the outer surface of tooth-acceptingpockets 1505 and 1507 may be created to match a 3-D image or other dataof a particular user's teeth, or an average 3-D shape of an averagetooth of that particular user. Thus, a user may insert her or his teeth,one each, into tooth-accepting pockets 1505 and 1507, to begin usingoral care device 1500 to clean or treat her or his teeth. In someembodiments, and as provided for other oral care devices in the presentinvention, the control system may sense (e.g., with touch or otherpressure sensors connected to bristles 1506), or a camera mounted onmouthpiece 1503) whether a user has so inserted a tooth, one each, intoeach of tooth-accepting pockets 1505 and 1507, and may, in some suchembodiments, only perform certain actions (e.g., actuatingteeth-cleaning brushes 1502) when the user's teeth are properly insertedinto tooth-accepting pockets 1505 and 1507 (e.g., each tooth centered onand seated within each of tooth-accepting pockets 1505 and 1507). Alsoas with other oral care devices set forth in the present application, insome embodiments, the teeth-cleaning brushes 1502 may be controlsystem-actuable in some embodiments, and each of teeth-cleaning brushes1502 may be powered and controlled by a control system at leastpartially within oral care device 1500.

As mentioned above, curved surfaces 1504 may form teeth-acceptingpockets, such as tooth-accepting pockets 1505 and 1507. It bearsrepeating, however, that the recitation of particular orders and numbersof features, such as 1, 2, 3 or some other number of channels, andtooth-accepting pockets, and mouthpieces, with respect to any oral caredevice set forth in this application, is illustrative of someembodiments, only, and is not in any way limiting as to the scope of theinvention.

In any event, if multiple tooth-accepting pockets are provided, as inthe example embodiment pictured, interdental cleaning devices may alsobe provided. As mentioned above such interdental cleaning devices maycomprise, or be comprised within, flossing lines or fluid-directingdevices, in some embodiments, such as example fluid-releasing port(s)1511. In some embodiments, such fluid-releasing port(s) 1511 mayintroduce dentifrice, treatments, water and/or other fluids intoteeth-accepting channel 1501, and onto bristles 1506. In someembodiments, such fluid-releasing port(s) may be fluid-ejecting jets,releasing pressurized, or otherwise conditioned streams of fluid (e.g.,using an actuator, which may be a motor or an ultrasound actuator, insome embodiments.) In some embodiments, curved surfaces 1504, and/orbristles 1506, may also form inter-dental cleaning devices, such asexample interdental-cleaning ridge 1513. In some embodiments, the angleof bristles 1506 may be continuously variable, along the curved surfaceof 1504. In some such embodiments, the angle of bristles 1506 is socontinuously variable to result in closely-matching the surface of auser's teeth and gums when his or her teeth are properly inserted withinthe tooth-accepting pockets 1505 and 1507. For example, in some suchembodiments, the angle of bristles 1506 is so continuously variableaccording to a function to cause the center tips of each of bristles1506 to tangentially-touching the user's teeth and/or gums when his orher teeth are properly inserted within the tooth-accepting pockets 1505and 1507, or approximately so.

In some embodiments, teeth-accepting channel 1501 includes anopen-ended, flat trench 1515, with flat open entrances 1517, at each endof the channel. Such an open, flat trench allows fore and aft movementof oral care device, while keeping a line of the user's teeth insertedinto the teeth-accepting channel 1501, to aid in manually scrubbing theuser's teeth and gums, in some embodiments, and, in some embodiments,allowing a user to quickly reposition teeth accepting channel, andpockets 1505 and 1507, over a different set of teeth, in someembodiments. In some embodiments, the oral care device may providehaptic feedback to the user when she or he has properly inserted two ofher teeth into tooth-accepting pockets 1505 and 1507, one each, centeredand seated. For example, in some embodiments, the control system issuesa distinct vibration to the user, or pattern of vibrations, to indicatethat the teeth inserted into tooth-accepting pockets 1505 and 1507 havebeen properly inserted, and another distinct vibration or pattern ofvibrations, when the user's teeth have been adequately cleaned orotherwise treated, and it is time to move oral care device over to a newset of teeth, inserting them into tooth-accepting pockets 1505 and 1507.To ease seating of oral care device 1500 on a user's teeth, in someembodiments, an extended flat section 1519 of a guiding extension 1521of mouthpiece may be included. In some such embodiments, such anextended flat section 1519 may abut the near flat open entrance 1518, ofteeth-accepting channel 1501.

In some embodiments, to aid in maintaining the correct angle ofengagement of mouthpiece 1503, while sliding teeth through channel 1501,a swiveling joint 1523 may be provided. In some such embodiments,swiveling joint 1523 may be an omni-directional swivel. In someembodiments, swiveling joint 1523 may be a force-biased swivel, whichforce-bias forces the return of swiveling joint 1523 to a straightenedposition, as pictured, in the absence of external forces on swivelingjoint 1523.

As with other oral care devices set forth in the present application, aseries of user controls and feedback devices may also be included, insonic embodiments, which are connected to a control system within (notpictured), or connected to, oral care device 1500. As mentioned above,such a control system may be connected with, and able to issueoperational commands to, any and all actuators, displays and sensors setforth in reference to the present figure, or elsewhere in the presentapplication. For example, motors, ultrasonic emitters or other actuators1525 may be provided in mouthpiece 1503, in some embodiments. In someembodiments, ultrasonic emitters or other actuators 1525 may be providedin a main body 1527, of oral care device 1500.

In some such embodiments, a lighted indicator display 1526 may beprovided, and used to indicate particular statuses relevant to theoperation of oral care device 1500, such as whether device 1500 has beenpowered up. In some embodiments, a more complex graphical display, suchas example graphical display 1524, may instead, or in addition, be used.In some embodiments, graphical display 1524 may provide a readoutindicating a duration of use and a mode of operation, as discussedelsewhere for displays of oral care devices in the present application,and as pictured. For example, in the embodiment pictured, a readout ofan “Anti Cavity” mode is indicated, indicating to a user that the oralcare device is presently being operated in a mode to encourage theprevention of cavity formation for a user's teeth. For example, in somesuch embodiments, more fluoride is introduced into channel 1501, than inother modes, and for a longer duration, than in other modes ofoperation. In some embodiments, a multivariate, touch-actuable, lighteddisplay may be included, such as the example pictured as touch-actuablelighted array display 1528. In some such embodiments, a user may select,and visualize, different parameters of operation of oral care device1500, for example by touching any surface area of touch-actuable lightedarray display 1528, actuating any of its actuable pixels, such as thepixels shown as 1571, causing them to be illuminated and to select acorresponding mode of operation, duration, intensity level, or any othervariable parameter of operation. In some embodiments, the higher up thepixels selected, the greater the intensity level of operation indicatedand carried out by the oral care device when operated. In someembodiments, the wider the selection of pixels laterally, on either sideof touch-actuable lighted array display 1528, the greater the duration,or the greater degree of some mode of operation, is selected andindicated.

As with other oral care devices set forth in this application, in someembodiments, a user may select or request a mode of operation of oralcare device 1500 with a mode selection button, such as either of thumb-or finger-actuated mode selection buttons 1551 or 1553. In someembodiments, such thumb- or finger-actuated buttons may be providedwithin thumb- or finger-grip depressions, such as the examples picturedas 1554. In some embodiments, thumb-grip depressions may comprisebiometric or other sensors, to determine whether a user is properlygripping a handle section 1555 of oral care device 1500. In someembodiments, any selections or user-commands required for any mode,intensity or other aspect of the invention may be provided through suchuser controls.

As mentioned above, in some embodiments, oral care devices in accordancewith aspects of the present invention may hold and distribute water,dentifrice, treatments, and other oral care materials from standardizedpackages, which may be temporarily, reversibly connected to fluidconduits of the oral care devices, to at least part of a user's oralcavity, such as her or his teeth, gums, tongue, sublingual areas, theroof of the mouth, and throat. In some embodiments, such standardizedpackages may be issued and delivered from a remote source, which may becontrolled, at least in part, by a control system and/or a medicalauthority, such as a dentist. For example, and also as mentioned above,in some embodiments, specialized, standardized cartridges, such asexample cartridge 1506, may be so issued. In some embodiments, suchstandardized packages (e.g., cartridge 1506) may include one or morepart(s) with a proprietary format, to ensure that only correctcartridges, approved for use with the particular type of oral caredevice, are installed onto or into the oral care device. For example,cartridge 1506 is pictured with an unusually-shaped housing 1527, shapedaccording to a proprietary, unusual form factor—namely, in this example,a generally conical shape of particular proportions, angles anddimensions, with a long tab. As a result, a lateral sliding tab 1529conforms with that proprietary, unusual form factor. Similarly, acartridge-loading compartment 1508 is also shaped according to the same,proprietary, unusual form factor, albeit in reverse (bas-relief) to theshape of cartridge 1506, such that cartridge-loading compartment 1508and cartridge 1506 have a complementary, inverse 3-D form factorrelative to one another. As such, and as pictured, cartridge 1506 may beinstalled into compartment 1508 by sliding end 1531 of cartridge 1506upward, into cartridge-loading compartment 1508. In some embodiments,cartridge 1506 and oral care device 1500 may include some connectors,which may be conduits, as discussed elsewhere in this application, froman internal tank holding such oral care fluids within cartridge 1506,which deliver fluids to a user's oral cavity. For example, in someembodiments, such conduits within oral care device 1500 connect withports 1511, delivering fluids from cartridge 1506 to teeth-acceptingchannel(s) 1501. In some embodiments, such conduits within oral caredevice 1500 and such conduits from an internal tank of cartridge 1506may comprise connecting ports, with a complementary form factor forphysically interfacing with one another. In some embodiments, such portsinclude valves which are forced open upon such physical interfacing. Insome embodiments, such valves electrical actuators, which are controlledby a control system, which may be present within cartridge 1506 and/ororal care device 1500. For example, in some such embodiments, such acontrol system may be a control system such as that disclosed inreference to FIG. 10. In some embodiments, multiple such internal tanksmay be present in cartridge 1506. In some embodiments, such an internaltank may be present within oral care device 1500. In some suchembodiments, of course, cartridges such as 1506 may be omitted, and justsuch on-board tanks within oral care device 1500, or another source,may, instead, be used. In some such embodiments, such an internal tankmay be present within oral care device 1500 and may receive cleaning andtreatment fluids from cartridge 1506, which may then be decoupled fromoral care device 1500 prior to use.

Similarly, and as with other oral care devices, customized liners withcustom-shaped brushes or mouthpieces may be ordered and issued,separately from the remainder of oral care device 1500, in someembodiments. In some such embodiments, such customized liners, brushesand mouthpieces may be optimized for particular modes of operation, orfor the cleaning or other treatment needs of a particular user.

In some embodiments, as with other oral care devices discussed in thisapplication, observations may be made by the control system of oral caredevice 1500, or user operating such a control system, or a controlsystem variably connected with such control system(s). In some suchembodiments, sensors are located within mouthpiece 1503, and connectedwith such a control system. In some such embodiments, such sensors maybe a camera. In some such embodiments, such sensors may detect changesin the condition of a user's mouth, at different times, as will bediscussed in greater detail below. For example, in some suchembodiments, such sensors may detect plaque and/or tooth decay, or anyother oral-care relevant conditions, using any technique set forth inthe present application for such detection.

I claim:
 1. An oral care device comprising: a set of at least onechannel(s) configured to accept each of a user's teeth; wherein said setof at least one channel(s) comprises fluid-releasing port(s) configuredto pass fluid(s) about and/or between teeth of said mammalian user; acontrol system, comprising a power source, computer hardware andactuator(s); at least one brush(es) at least partially lining saidchannel(s), configured to be driven by said actuator(s); and whereinsaid control system is configured to actuate said actuators based on auser-issued command.
 2. The oral care device of claim 1, wherein theuser-issued command comprises a user biting into said at least onechannel(s), which is sensed by the control system.
 3. The oral caredevice of claim 1, wherein the user-issued command comprises a usertouching a button on the outer surface of said device.
 4. The oral caredevice of claim 1, wherein the user-issued command comprises both: auser biting into said at least one channel(s), which is sensed by thecontrol system; and a user touching a button on the outer surface ofsaid device.
 5. The oral care device of claim 1, wherein saidfluid-releasing port(s) are configured to pulse said fluid(s) whenreleasing said fluid(s).
 6. The oral care device of claim 1, whereinsaid oral care device is configured to generate vibrations to clean saiduser's teeth.
 7. The oral care device of claim 1, wherein said oral caredevice is configured to generate ultrasound to clean a user's teeth. 8.The oral care device of claim 1, wherein said oral care device iscarries out a set of different actions to clean and/or treat a user'steeth.
 9. The oral care device of claim 8, wherein said oral care deviceis configured to be operated in one or more of a plurality of modes ofoperation and/or a combination of said one or more of a plurality ofmodes of operation, and wherein said different actions are based on saidone or more of a plurality of modes of operation.
 10. The oral caredevice of claim 9, wherein an intensity and a duration of said differentactions are defined by said one or more of a plurality of modes ofoperation.
 11. The oral care device of claim 9, wherein a type of saidfluids is defined by said one or more of a plurality of modes ofoperation.
 12. The oral care device of claim 9, wherein said oral caredevice is configured to accept commands from a third party authority,other than said user, and wherein said commands from a third partyauthority affect the operation of said oral care device.
 13. The oralcare device of claim 9, wherein said oral care device comprises acartridge-loading compartment.
 14. The oral care device of claim 9,wherein said cartridge-loading compartment is configured to receive oneor more cartridge(s) comprising said fluid(s), and wherein said oralcare device is configured to receive said fluid(s) from saidcartridge(s) and distribute said fluids to one or more of saidchannel(s).
 15. The oral care device of claim 14, wherein said oral caredevice is configured to accept commands from said one or morecartridge(s), and wherein said commands from said one or morecartridge(s) affect the operation of said oral care device.
 16. The oralcare device of claim 1, wherein said channel(s) are custom-fit to aparticular user's mouth, based on a 3-D impression, scan or image ofsaid particular-user's mouth.
 17. The oral care device of claim 1,wherein said channel(s) are held in a mouthpiece, and wherein an outersurface of said mouthpiece is custom-fit to a particular user's mouth,based on a 3-D impression, scan or image of said particular-user'smouth.
 18. The oral care device of claim 1, wherein said channel(s) area single channel.
 19. The oral care device of claim 1, wherein saidbrushes comprise a complex, curved surface, matching the contours of aparticular user's teeth and gums, and surrounding and penetratingbetween each of a user's teeth and gums.
 20. A method for using an oralhygiene device, comprising the following step: obtaining an oral hygienedevice, comprising: a set of at least one channel(s) configured toaccept each of a user's teeth; wherein said set of at least onechannel(s) comprises fluid-releasing port(s) configured to pass fluid(s)about and/or between teeth of said mammalian user; a control system,comprising a power source, computer hardware and actuator(s); at leastone brush(es) at least partially lining said channel(s), configured tobe driven by said actuator(s); and wherein said control system isconfigured to actuate said actuators based on a user-issued command.